The Managing Director of Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL), Kale Cezar, has revealed that a container of spare parts supplied by Dutch manufacturer VDL has remained at the port for more than two years, compounding the company’s operational and financial strain.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Mr Cezar said the container was imported under the company’s previous management but was never cleared, leading to escalating port charges and delays in putting additional buses into service.
“That (container) full of steppers was given to us by VDL Company. Our predecessors actually brought that container,” he explained.
According to him, the current management moved swiftly to address the issue once it came to their attention, initiating procedures to have the container cleared.
He said the process required extensive engagement with several state institutions, including the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), to establish why the container had remained uncleared for so long and what steps were necessary to secure its release.
After months of follow-ups and administrative processes, Mr Cezar said Metro Mass was now close to resolving the matter.
“If the government could waive some direct taxes and VAT on our imports, it would greatly help our operations,” he said.
Fewer buses, higher revenue
Mr Cezar noted that while previous management operated more than 185 buses, the company currently runs between 120 and 130 buses.
Despite the reduced fleet, he said revenue had increased significantly. Metro Mass previously mobilised between GH¢8.5 million and GH¢9 million monthly but now generates over GH¢15 million each month, even with fewer buses on the road.
He attributed the improvement largely to efforts to plug financial leakages, especially through the expansion of electronic ticketing.
“They introduced an IT solution for collecting tickets, but it was only (utilised for) about 40 to 50 per cent (of the company’s operations). Now, we are (doing) almost 100 per cent,” Cezar said.
He explained that the wider rollout of electronic ticketing had substantially reduced revenue losses that previously undermined efficiency.
Debt burden and staff welfare
A significant portion of the increased revenue, he added, is being used to service inherited debts. However, the company is now able to meet its monthly obligations, including salaries, pension contributions and structured debt repayments.
Mr Cezar said that upon assuming office, Metro Mass faced severe financial, operational and staff welfare challenges.
He disclosed that some workers, including conductors and frontline staff, previously earned as little as GH¢770 per month. Management has since implemented a 20 per cent salary increase and introduced a new minimum wage of GH¢1,300 for the lowest-paid workers.
Regular salary payments have also been restored, with staff now paid by the third week of each month.
The MD further revealed that the company inherited significant statutory and non-statutory debts, including unpaid pension contributions, tax arrears, fuel debts and multiple court judgments arising from breached contracts under previous administrations
